first-time skier

Hello,

I've never been skiing before and want some advice on good resorts for skiers in either France or Switzerland. Also perhaps some suggestions of budget-friendly resorts?

[link spam removed]

Thanks!

Hello and welcome to the obsession! -)
I've not skied in Switzerland at all and only a couple of times in France so I'm not going to suggest specific resorts for you. :cry:
As a beginner you will not need extensive slopes as you are unlikely to be able to make much use of them on a first trip. So you don't need to go to a large resort unless you WANT to. Smaller resorts usually mean you get a cheaper lift pass. :)
As a first timer it would take the headache out of things if you use a TO, that way they get to do the legwork for you and sort things out should they go wrong. Neilson/Inghams/Crystal(and others) all do "learn to turn" (or similar) packages for newbies which include equipment hire, liftpass and lessons which usually works out cheaper than sorting it out individually. :-)These packages are usually available in resorts that have a ski school of good reputation and plenty of green and easy blue runs for you to cut your teeth on.
When I go away with beginners I like to make sure there are a few off mountain activities available just in case skiing is just not for them (never yet had that problem) I try and get accom with a sauna to soothe those muscles you never you knew you owned and if possible a swimming pool (nearby not neccessarily on site).
I'm sure plenty of others will chime in with recommendations based on experience, wherever you end up going I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. :-)

The "comparitor site" mentioned above, seems a harvester of everyone's data, for financial gain. All hail Ghostery and their superb service :D

PS, consider Italy or Austria too, in my experience you can get more for your money.

lilywhite wrote:PS, consider Italy or Austria too, in my experience you can get more for your money.

I do believe you are chatting with a drive-by spammer -) I could be proved wrong, we shall see!

Thanks bandit, I gathered that after I submitted my posts, you must have posted your response while I was typing. Cheers x